Emir Abd el-Kader was born on September 6, 1808 near Mascara, Algeria. His family would have been considered as being in the highest social class of that society. Algeria was part of the Turkish Empire. Abd el-Kader grew into a refined man who lived a simple life. He was considered religious and had a brilliant mind. In 1825 he set out with his father on a religious pilgrimage to Mecca, which is the birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad. There, he met with leaders in the Muslim faith and discussed various topics. These experiences molded this young Muslim leader and prepared him for his future....